Dec. 6, 2009: Vick vs. the Falcons – are we ready for this?
MIchael Vick has a team, and that team will come to the Georgia Dome on Dec. 6. We in Atlanta have seen some momentous days in our time as a big-league city — we’ve played host to the Super Bowl, to the World Series, to All-Star games in three different sports, to Muhammad Ali’s return-from-exile fight against Jerry Quarry, even to an Olympiad — but we won’t have seen anything quite like this.
The saga that has in many ways divided our city will be coming to our city for one last act. The man who packed the Dome will return on an opponent’s roster. Nothing says Vick will actually play that day — he’s being signed to back up the majorly successful Donovan McNabb — but what if he does?
Will there be a Deion Sanders “This Is My House” Moment? Will Vick take a Jeff George victory lap if the Eagles win? Will Vick jerseys outnumber those shirts bearing the names and numbers of current Falcons that day in the Dome?
We cannot know the answers to any of this today, same as we couldn’t know Michael Vick would ever be an ex-Falcon. On Dec. 23, 2004, he signed the $130 million contract that was supposed to have made him a Falcon for life. On Dec. 31, 2006, he played his final game for the franchise.
And we Atlantans know all too well how the past three years have been. The Falcons hit bottom and are climbing again. Vick went to prison and is starting anew. And some of us here have turned this into a zero-sum game: If you’re for the Falcons you can no longer be for Vick, and vice versa. It is that peculiar dynamic that will be the backdrop on Dec. 6. It is that peculiar dynamic that makes some among us wonder if the massive Dome is a big enough place to hold all the emotions that will be present therein.
Michael Vick was the biggest professional athlete in this city’s history — bigger than Dominique, bigger than Chipper, bigger even than Hammerin’ Hank. Now he again works in the NFL, works for another team. And that team is on the 2009 Falcons’ schedule, and that game is here. We knew this would have to come at some point, but we couldn’t know it would arrive so soon.
And now, from the distance of August, we ask: Will we be able to handle it? Will there be fights in the stands? Fights on the field? (When last the Eagles played here, on a Monday night in September 2005, there was a brawl in pregame warmups.) Will the fabric of Atlanta be rent by a single football game on that one given Sunday?
And the guess, again from a faraway perch, is that we’ll all be just fine. The crowd will be alive but not overwrought. The teams will play a game and someone will win and Vick may or may not participate, and then we’ll all get along with the rest of our lives. It’s what people do. It’s what we Atlantans have come to do rather well.
Loading ...We’re supposed to be the city too busy to hate, remember? We can also be the city big enough to root for both: We can wish Michael Vick well and still support the hometown team.
And it’s not as if we haven’t been through Big Events. Indeed, the day before the Eagles play the Falcons, there’ll be another event in the Dome that figures to stir some passions — the SEC championship. And you know what will happen after that titanic tilt? The Dome crews will sweep the aisles and redo the field markings and get ready for another game the next day.
Because, at bottom, that’s all these are. Just games.
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167 comments Add your comment
drsoul
August 13th, 2009
11:50 pm
Vick, until long past the day that he is out of football…and, hopefully that is several years down the road, has established a presence and persona that will be a part and component of football lore.. even the ones who ‘love to hate him’ cannot refrain from being a part of the aura surrounding this athlete… with the right environment and coaching, where he is not given ’sainthood’ from the beginning, and with a more humble attitude of life, he will learn the things that will serve him to be greater.. he is nobody’s fool.. I think that he is past the ‘fools stage’ and is ready to show himself what he has always believed, but has not really proven.. I will always think that the stage that he was put on in Atlanta was against him from the beginning…too young, too much hype and too many, from the owner down, swooning over him and neglecting the fact that he was still a kid who needed more intimate attention and guidance…
Go Mike…the runway is yours to walk..!!!!
Fair and Balanced
August 13th, 2009
11:54 pm
LOL @ Matthew thinking anyone will HEAR a “boo” when Mike Vick comes out. Are you serious? The Georgia Dome might as well have “Vick lives here” over the entrance ways…just like the AJC should rename itself “Vick’s Blog”.
JB
August 13th, 2009
11:56 pm
Vick may be more accurate than people realize. He was often rushed with only 3 secs. to throw, whereas QBs like Tom Brady often get 5 secs. Also, sometimes they had Vick throwing with a short drop over 6′6″ Julius Peppers and other tall linemen. If used properly, he may be more accurate than people realize.
Mark Bradley
August 13th, 2009
11:57 pm
Maybe I’ve got this wrong, but I never sensed any animosity toward Vick from the folks in Flowery Branch. Disappointment, yes. Sadness, yes. But the Falcons were never bitter toward him, and I don’t think all that many of their fans were, either.
That’s why I don’t think he’ll get booed. Or, if he does, he’ll be cheered even louder. But I am, as we know, wrong about everything.
Supes
August 13th, 2009
11:58 pm
Mark,
You and all the media are all over this, as you should be…it’s a NICE NONE STORY.
Vick will be 3rd string QB, holding a headset and a clipboard and most likely doing little else.
Who cares? Unless something happens to Donovan McNabb ( a real QB ) or the backup they spent a 2nd round pick on 2 years ago…Vick isn’t going to play at QB for the Eagles.
Also, Vick is afraid of contact. All of those clamoring for him to be some sort of “wild cat” guy, first LB or DE that gets a good shot at him, watch out. Dude will be layed out. He doesn’t have the body to take those hits, even as an athletic QB. Too light.
ljdawg
August 14th, 2009
12:01 am
Supes
your hate blinds you! You must have forgot how garbage the line was when MV7 was in town! But with that light body he ran to 3 pro bowls and took the birds to the NFC championship game! Afraid of contact? Girl please!
eric
August 14th, 2009
12:01 am
I wish MV well. He broke the law but he’s paid his debt and deserves a second chance. I think he could do very well in Philly under Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. I just hope the falcons get to that game in December with a playoff appearance at stake. They deserve a little retribution themselves! GO FALCONS!!!!
P Rose
August 14th, 2009
12:05 am
Michael Vick has gone to Philadelphia now
Somebody had to forgive him
Just because he did a term in Leavenworth now
Man’s gotta make him a livin’
If he gave a lady an infection you know
He’s got no real obligation
So he lied and said his name was Ron Mexico?
Everyone needs a vacation
No he didn’t always empathize with his fans
Someone else throw the first stone
Dirtier birds, they should have left him alone
He’s got a bird of his own
Got himself a water bottle, what do you know
This one divides at the seam
Funny how it smelled to flight security though
Air Tran kicked him off of their team
He’s a kind of man who likes to party with friends
Taking up all of their bets
All his buddies like him but he can’t comprehend
Why he’s unloved by his pets
Arthur tried to love him but he couldn’t relate
To the kind of things he’s capable of
Goodbye to the city that’s too busy to hate
Say hello to “brotherly love”
Charlie
August 14th, 2009
12:05 am
The only recievers who ever had any stats were Finneran and Crumpler, and both of them were big, slow targets. He is a 50% passer, who did not throw a TD pass the entire 4th quarter on his last season. The guy is a lousy QB, what is the big deal?
I know one person who is glad he left, and that is Roddy White.
Mark Bradley
August 14th, 2009
12:09 am
I’ve heard many things said of Michael Vick, but this is the first time I’ve heard that he’s afraid of contact or too light. Ever seen him in person? He’s a pretty solid fellow.
And P Rose turns in another fine effort, this one a bit more melancholy.
Hayseed Dixie
August 14th, 2009
12:20 am
I love Michael Vick, he’s paid his debt and he deserves to be back in the NFL- where he belongs.
Playing for the Eagles, though? He’s dead to me now.
(and yes, Mark, I’m still smarting from the Herschel Walker numbers you threw at me. Pride tastes funny going down.)
Ross
August 14th, 2009
12:23 am
I hate to make this personal but I will. I am an IT contractor who has not worked in 8 months. My savings are almost gone. Indians, Russians, and Chinese do the jobs for which many tens of thousands of Americans are highly trained. No one cares. My government doesn’t – my potential employers, who flaunt the immigration and employment laws don’t care. We are the walking economic ghosts of the land.
I’ve never hurt, and never will hurt, a cat, dog, bird, and I even like spiders.
There will be no cruise ships, steaks, or slippers in my near future. I hope I have a roof over my head come 12/6 and I hope to boo lustily.
Just the other day, Vick passed the blame to “someone who led me astray”. Yes, he’s changed a lot hasn’t he?
Mark Bradley
August 14th, 2009
12:26 am
What were the Herschel numbers, Hayseed? Three years, three SEC titles? In a Bo versus Herschel discussion? (Not trying to be funny about it. Just seeking clarification.)
Hayseed Dixie
August 14th, 2009
12:29 am
Win record of Tebow vs. Herschel.
(I’d still rather have Tebow
)
Get Real People
August 14th, 2009
12:29 am
Michael Vick won’t be introduced in the GA Dome in December because he won’t be the Eagles starting QB. He will be the No. 3 QB on the Eagles roster. Right now the Eagles have 5 QBs listed on their roster so someone is not going to make the team. Just because they signed Vick doesn’t mean that he’ll be on their active roster after all the preseason cuts. So the only way he’ll get introduced in the Dome is if he’s playing WR which is where he should have been in the first place. The guy was never decent in the QB position after defensive coordinators figured out how to defend him. Shall we look at his QB rating in the 2 years prior to his going to prison???? All the Vick supporters want to overlook those years and always revert back to his first 2 years in the NFL. Great athlete at running the ball but an average NFL QB.
Plus if he gets on the wrong side of the Eagle fans, and they have been known to heckle their own players, I can’t wait to see if he’s bold enough to flip them the finger. Those fools are crazy enough to come out of the stands and go after him.
Mark Bradley
August 14th, 2009
12:36 am
I don’t think there’s a wrong answer to that either/or question, Hayseed. Tebow’s among the greatest college players I’ve ever seen. But Herschel, as of Aug. 14, 2009, is still my No. 1.
Sovereign1
August 14th, 2009
12:40 am
GOOOOOO Mike!!!!! Man they’ve already scheduled Mike to play the Falcons that day if only for that day and what a day it will be. I already have my video tape ready to add to the rest of my Vick collection and what a highlite reel Mike is going to make that day against the Falcons. they’ve interviewed some of the Eagles players and man are they EXCITED!!!!!!!. I know Mike is already in heaven knowing that he won’t be playing behind the smallest Oline in the league any longer along with experianced recievers that has the experiance of knowing how to separate from coverage. Oh, let’s not forget the rushing show that we are going to get that’s going to drain that Falcons D to OBLIVION!!!, I CAN”T WAIT, COME ON DECEMBER!!!!!!!
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Cedrick
August 14th, 2009
6:57 am
I’m ordering my VICK jersey as soon as they announce his number!! Go MV, some of us still love you in the DirTySouTh.
Stan
August 14th, 2009
7:11 am
The Spirit of 67 Brotherly Love, Welcome Home Michael Vick – Victory!
23 months behind bars
August 14th, 2009
7:13 am
The man has been tortured enough !
midnite
August 14th, 2009
7:14 am
Good for Vick, maybe he can learn to stay out of trouble and become a law abiding citizen. What makes anyone think Mike Vick will be able to handle the pressure he’ll be under in his return to the Ga, Dome(if he gets in the game)? He is not Superman, although he used to say he was. I’ll be there for sure, just like always, CHEERING FOR THE FALCONS!
Matt the Brave
August 14th, 2009
7:15 am
You know, Michael Vick did wrong things. We all know this. Should he be able to play in the NFL? Yes. Is his current suspension fair? Oh yes. I agree with the radiocasters who state that this suspension is for Vick lying to his owner, his team, and perhaps most important, the Commissioner of the NFL. I wish him the best of luck this season, but I don’t know how much he’ll actually be playing. Depends a lot on how healthy McNabb stays.
MiltonDawg
August 14th, 2009
7:23 am
Thank goodness this saga can come to an end. Now we can simply just focus on the Falcons.
Noah
August 14th, 2009
7:24 am
Who can stop the “wildcat” formation with Vick running and McNabb passing?–
Super Bowl for Philly,–Mr. Blank made a huge mistake not keeping Vick where he belongs.
David
August 14th, 2009
7:28 am
It’s going to be a wild weekend with the SEC title game, and Vick coming back to the GA dome.
dagnabit
August 14th, 2009
7:42 am
Will we be able to handle it? We who? It’s just a football game. Who cares about the pros. This is SEC country.
ThaMan
August 14th, 2009
7:46 am
Falcons Sorry – pick something worthwhile to go completely mental about. I’ll bet if you asked Vick, he would defend Arthur Blank. So lighten up and get a life!
lamac66
August 14th, 2009
7:53 am
Bring It on
I respect your comments being a Falcon fan. Vick haters have every right to boo, and Vick fans have every right to cheer. I just wish there was some balanced point of views presented by the media. They make it sound like their will be protesters only and no Vick supporters. I bet Dec. 6 will dispell that myth.
nhe
August 14th, 2009
7:54 am
I just have this sneaky feeling that McNabb will have one his injury-plagued seasons, and Vick will the be starting QB in Philly by week 8. That would make this much more interesting.
That said, has anyone mentioned he’s two years older? He’s gotta be a step slower……..and he still is going to have his same completion percentage issues. Sure, he’s still extremely dangerous, but I don’t fear Vick like I do Cutler, Romo, Brees, Brady and some of the other QBs we’ll see this year………even if I’m right and Vick is the starter Dec 8.
Felix the Cat
August 14th, 2009
7:59 am
Maybe we can take a page out of Atlanta Braves “Dogs in the park” and have “Dogs in the Dome”. That will add to this circus event. Also Arthur should sell all the current empty seats to PETA so we are guaranteed a sell out.
Mutt
August 14th, 2009
8:00 am
All of you people that keep saying, “what the Falcons and Blank did to him” are absolutely, incredibly stupid. Mike Vick was great to watch for the excitement that he brought to the field. However, he and he alone did more to try and ruin the Falcon franchise than any other in Falcon history including Piterno. The Falcons and Blank stood by him and did everything that they could have possibly done for the man. From what he was paid to standing by him during all of his off field incidents including the dog fighting. After what he did, there was no way in the world that he could ever have been a Falcon again. I am glad that he has been given the opportunity to pursue his career again, but it has to be with another team. He deserves that because he did his time, but none of us know even if he will be able to make any team as a backup let alone a starter. He has been out of football for two seasons. That is alot of time off. Everyone of the radicals on both sides of the “Mike Vick (MV7) saga” need to get a life based on reality and things that actually impact their own lives.
Be-little, BeBOLD
August 14th, 2009
8:03 am
I can see it now . . . the AJC sportswriters will have more stories on MV than our own Atlanta Falcons. What a shame our local paper will soon be known as Philly south sports!!! You guys just can’t leave him out can you? Why don’t you apply for a job as his personal publicist as that is all you will write about now. Blog, blog, blog, BLOG consumed by Michael Vick and his lovers.
Felix the Cat
August 14th, 2009
8:03 am
Watch out Michael.. You know they have a JAIL in the stadium.. heh heh heh heh
Yunel Asscobar
August 14th, 2009
8:06 am
Mark – your columns are a lot of hit and miss; this one’s a miss. Reading your spin makes it hard to believe we live in the same city and have watched this same sorry drama. You don’t think he will be booed? Every been to Fenway; home of educated sports fans? Standing Ovation for Derek Lowe; a man who performed well, handled himself with dignity, and represented the team and city with class. They boo Johnny Damon unmercifully. Both helped lead the Sox to titles, but one did it in a manner that garners respect. I would love to see Vick and Keith Brooking return to ATL in the same season. Brooking did represent the city, the team, and himself with class. It’s unthinkable to put the words “respect” and Vick in the same sentence. His infamous “fan-flip-off” has caused my Vick Respectometer to read “empty.” You’ve been in ATL this long and weren’t aware that Vick does everything possible to avoid taking a hit?? Unbelievable! Second chances…seems like he was given multiple “chances” by Mr. Blank…and failed miserably. The criminal justice system has now afforded a second chance by freeing him from prison. Second chance is not a synonym for everything being restored to it’s former condition. Will the AJC re-hire you following a felony conviction?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 14th, 2009
8:15 am
Mark, as far as if Vick gets booed, it will be just like this blog. 70% will be against and 30% will be for and no one will be silent.
haskell scatback
August 14th, 2009
8:16 am
Sal Palantonio just reported on Mike & Mike that fans at the game last night, when they found out about the signing, were angry. .at about a 95 per cent clip.
sportsguy
August 14th, 2009
8:17 am
All you Mick Vick true believers who thought he was railroaded by the Falcons, the NFL & the Justice Dept – please move the Philly. It’s a
nice cozy city, great weather, great food & you can see Mick Vick every day. Please move & get out of this town.
SRF
August 14th, 2009
8:19 am
The last time I rode MARTA on a Saturday – it was filled with “7″ jerseys – there are a ton of Vick fans who are seething with hatred that the Falcons released him. I think that the Falcons will be booed that day because the
stands will be 75% Vick fans
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 14th, 2009
8:21 am
P Rose deserves to be in the hall of fame for his fine effort today!
Jon Hughes
August 14th, 2009
8:21 am
great read bradley you have really picked up your game lately
Bob from Dahlonega
August 14th, 2009
8:23 am
If you think the town hall meetings are bad, wait until dec 6th when we take the nfl back like this country. Peta + the sons of confederate daughters will be out in force. I think my buddy who spraypaints swastikas on stuff in the middle of the night will be around then also, plus the guy responsible for burning people in effigy plans on coming down. Sean hanity and Ollie north will have a freedom concert in falcon plaza with music by hank williams jr
QueDawg
August 14th, 2009
8:25 am
Who would have ever thought?!?!? I am an Eagles fan and Falcons season ticket holder since MV7 came to the ATL! I have my cake and can eat it too! I am very interested to see all of these neigh sayers that SAY they have season tickets and will be there to boo blah blah blah. I hate to say it but I believe what a previous blogger said, those guys will definitely be hiding behind the computer on 12/6! I wanted to debate this morning but I think I will sit back and gloat!! I am convinced that the “man upstairs” loves me and football!!
Hollywould
August 14th, 2009
8:28 am
You think his number will be K-9?
Ted Striker
August 14th, 2009
8:29 am
I’m glad for Vick and the Eagles — but even happier for me. Why? As an avid Madden NFL player who frequently choose the Eagles because of McNabb’s scrambling ability, a Vick option really opens up possibilities.
Now, if only EA sports will install a wildcat formation or allow me to sub Vick at RB occasionally for a halfback pass or play action pass to the back in the flat….
p.s. Madden NFL 10 is out TODAY!
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